Control device, control method, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

There is provided a control device including a display control unit configured to cause display of a display unit to shift between a first display mode in which a first kind of image having a predetermined relation with an electric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imaging unit and a second kind of image different from the first kind of image are displayed and a second display mode in which the first kind of image is not displayed and the second kind of image is displayed, and a power control unit configured to control power supply to the imaging unit in the shift between the first and second display modes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/390,143, filed Oct. 2, 2014, which is a nationalstage entry of PCT application PCT/JP13/56642 filed Mar. 11, 2013 andwhich claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application No.2012-131855 filed Jun. 11, 2012, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method,and a recoding medium.

BACKGROUND ART

As devices having electronic imaging units including image sensors,there are many devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, andpersonal computers (PCs). Even when the devices do not have imagingunits, remote control of imaging units of other devices to performphotographing is generally executed. In the photographing in which theelectronic imaging units are used, images captured by the imaging unitsare recorded as still images or moving images in response toinstructions from users, while the images are displayed in real time.The images displayed in real time are referred to aselectric-to-electric (EE) images (also referred to as through images orthe like).

EE images are displayed on display units of devices including imagingunits or devices controlling imaging units remotely. The display unitsare, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and display not only EEimages but also various images. The displayed images also includereproduced images obtained by reproducing previously photographed stillimages or moving images. Currently, EE images and reproduced images areseparately displayed in many cases, for example, by switching displaymodes of the display units by users.

Here, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology for causing a displayunit to display EE images and reproduced images simultaneously. PatentLiterature 1 discloses a technology for facilitating continuousswitching between a display mode in which EE images are displayed and adisplay mode in which only reproduced images are displayed by arrangingthe EE images and the reproduced images in a time-series order in whichthe EE images are considered to be more recent.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-328242A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, when the display mode in which the EE images are displayed andthe display mode in which only the reproduced images are displayed areswitched continuously using the technology disclosed in PatentLiterature 1 described above, a state in which a user is likely toperform imaging and a state in which the user merely browses thereproduced images are continuously switched because the EE images aredisplayed. Accordingly, it is not easy to distinguish a state in whichpower is supplied to an imaging unit to prepare execution of imagingfrom a state in which power may not be supplied to the imaging unit, andthus power may be consequently wasted in some cases.

It is desirable to provide a novel and improved control device, a noveland improved control method, and a novel and improved recording mediumcapable of appropriately controlling power supply to an imaging unit ina device which can display images acquired by the imaging unit.

Solution to Problem

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda control device including a display control unit configured to causedisplay of a display unit to shift between a first display mode in whicha first kind of image having a predetermined relation with anelectric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imaging unit and a secondkind of image different from the first kind of image are displayed and asecond display mode in which the first kind of image is not displayedand the second kind of image is displayed, and a power control unitconfigured to control power supply to the imaging unit in the shiftbetween the first and second display modes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda control method including causing display of a display unit to shiftbetween a first display mode in which a first kind of image having apredetermined relation with an electric-to-electric (EE) image acquiredby an imaging unit and a second kind of image different from the firstkind of image are displayed and a second display mode in which the firstkind of image is not displayed and the second kind of image isdisplayed, and controlling power supply to the imaging unit in the shiftbetween the first and second display modes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing acomputer to realize a function of causing display of a display unit toshift between a first display mode in which a first kind of image havinga predetermined relation with an electric-to-electric (EE) imageacquired by an imaging unit and a second kind of image different fromthe first kind of image are displayed and a second display mode in whichthe first kind of image is not displayed and the second kind of image isdisplayed, and a function of controlling power supply to the imagingunit in the shift between the first and second display modes.

In the foregoing control device, control method, and recording medium,the first mode in which the first kind of image having the predeterminedrelation with the EE image is displayed and the second mode in whichthat is not the case are defined in the display of the images on thedisplay unit. When the change in the display of the display unit by thedisplay control unit is analyzed as the shift between the first andsecond modes and the power supply to the imaging unit is controlled inthe shift, a user can comprehend an operation to be subsequentlyperformed more appropriately and reflect the operation to the powersupply to the imaging unit. Thus, it is possible to reduce theunnecessary power supply while ensuring operability for the user.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure described above, it is possible toappropriately control power supply to an imaging unit in a devicecapable of displaying an image acquired by the imaging unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a technology of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configurationwhen the technology of the present disclosure is performed by aplurality of separated devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configurationwhen the technology of the present disclosure is performed by a singledevice.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a first example of display accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a second example of display accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a third example of display accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a fourth example of display accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing the first example of the displayaccording to a modification example of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing the second example of the displayaccording to a modification example of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to asecond embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to amodification example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to athird embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of attributeclassification of an image according to a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to afourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to afifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a scroll operation according to afifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to afirst modification example of the fifth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to asecond modification example of the fifth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to asixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to aseventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing a first example of display accordingto an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing a second example of displayaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen configurationaccording to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in afirst screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in asecond screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in athird screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in afourth screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing a first modification example of theninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for describing a second modification example of theninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for describing an example of a timing of powersupply control according to a tenth embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a processing flowaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a processing flowaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for describing a first modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for describing a second modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for describing a third modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 is a diagram for describing a comparison example according to aneleventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a diagram for describing an example according to the eleventhembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of a processing flowaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flowaccording to a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a processing flowaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a processing flowaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a processing flowaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the drawings, elements that have substantiallythe same function and structure are denoted with the same referencesigns, and repeated explanation is omitted.

The embodiments of the present disclosure include, for example, a deviceor a system to be described below, a method executed by the device orthe system, a program executed by a processor to realize functions ofthe device, and a computer-readable recording medium recording theprogram.

The description will be made in the following order.

-   -   1. Description of relevant technology    -   2. Device configuration    -   3. Embodiments relating to display forms    -   3-1. First embodiment    -   3-2. Second embodiment    -   3-3. Third embodiment    -   3-4. Fourth embodiment    -   3-5. Fifth embodiment    -   3-6. Sixth embodiment    -   3-7. Seventh embodiment    -   3-8. Eighth embodiment    -   4. Embodiments relating to internal processes    -   4-1. Ninth embodiment    -   4-2. Tenth embodiment    -   4-3. Eleventh embodiment    -   4-4. Twelfth embodiment    -   4-5. Thirteenth embodiment    -   4-6. Fourteenth embodiment    -   5. Supplement

1. Description of Relevant Technology

First, a relevant technology of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a relevant technology of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, an EE image 410 and a reproduced image420 a are arranged and displayed in the lateral direction on a displayunit. Here, for example, when a user's operation of sliding such animage group in the lateral direction is acquired through, for example, abutton or a touch panel, the image group is slid in a slide direction(the right direction in the illustrated example). Thus, from the leftend of a display region, a newly reproduced image 420 b is shown and areproduced image 420 c is further shown. On the other hand, the EE image410 becomes closer to the right end of the display region to be out fromthe display region before long.

In this way, technologies for mixing EE images and reproduced images inimage display on a display unit and enabling an operation such asmovement of display positions of such images have been suggested. Insuch technologies, however, it is not easy to distinguish a state inwhich power is supplied to an imaging unit to prepare execution ofimaging from a state in which power may not be supplied to the imagingunit. Therefore, the power is normally supplied to the imaging unit, andthus power may be consequently wasted or a request to perform a separateoperation of controlling power of the imaging unit is given to a user.

The technology according to the embodiments of the present disclosure isa technology devised to improve the relevant technology.

2. Device Configuration

Next, a device configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configurationwhen the technology of the present disclosure is performed by aplurality of separated devices. Referring to FIG. 2, a system 10includes an imaging device 100, a display device 200, and an imagestorage device 300.

The imaging device 100 includes an imaging unit that includes an imagesensor and is a device capable of acquiring a still image or a movingimage. The imaging device 100 communicates with the display device 200and transmits image data including EE images acquired by the imagingunit to the display device 200. In the illustrated example, since theimaging device 100 is remotely controlled by the display device 200, theimaging device 100 receives various control signals from the displaydevice 200. The control signals include signals used to control powersupply to the imaging unit of the imaging device 100 according to adisplay state of an image relevant to an EE image on the display device200. The imaging device 100 can be, for example, a digital camera thatis remotely operated.

The display device 200 is a device that includes a display unit and candisplay an image. The display device 200 communicates with the imagingdevice 100 and receives display image data including an EE imageacquired by the imaging unit from the imaging device 100. The displaydevice 200 transmits a control signal used to control the imaging device100 to the imaging device 100. On the other hand, the display device 200also communicates with the image storage device 300 and receives imagedata displayed as a reproduced image from the image storage device 300.The display device 200 may transmit the image data of the EE imagesupplied from the imaging device 100 to the image storage device 300 torecord the image data. For example, the display device 200 can be any ofvarious information processing devices such as a PC having a function ofremotely controlling a digital camera.

The image storage device 300 is a device that includes a storage unitand records an image. The image storage device 300 communicates with thedisplay device 200 and transmits the image data of the reproduced imagerecorded in the storage unit to the display device 200. The imagestorage device 300 may receive image data to be newly recorded from thedisplay device 200. Alternatively, the image storage device 300 maycommunicate with the imaging device 100 and receive image data to benewly recorded from the imaging device 100. For example, the imagestorage device 300 can be any of various storage devices connected tothe display device 200 via a network.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device configurationwhen the technology of the present disclosure is performed by a singledevice. Referring to FIG. 3, a device 1000 includes a lens 121, an autofocus (AF) mechanism 123, a diaphragm 125, a camera-shake correctionmechanism 127, an image sensor 129, an image sensor interface (I/F) 131,and a signal processing unit 133. In the following description, theconstituent elements from the lens 121 to the signal processing unit 133are also collectively referred to as an imaging unit 135. The imagingunit 135 can be included in the imaging device 100 in the example ofFIG. 2 described above.

The device 1000 includes a power control I/F 201, a power control unit203, a calculation unit 205, a volatile storage unit 207, a signalprocessing unit 209, an input unit 211, an input processing unit 213, adisplay control unit 215, and a display unit 217. The constituentelements from the power control I/F 201 to the display unit 217 can beincluded in the display device 200 in the example of FIG. 2. The device1000 includes a non-volatile storage unit 301 and a non-volatile storageI/F 303. The non-volatile storage unit 301 and the non-volatile storageI/F 303 can be included in the image storage device 300 in the exampleof FIG. 2.

The device 1000 can be any of various devices including an imaging unitand a display unit, such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, or a PC.The device configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3described above and can include, for example, a configuration in whichconstituent elements to be described below are arbitrarily distributedin a plurality of devices.

The imaging unit 135 includes the constituent elements from the lens 121to the signal processing unit 133, as described above. A subject imageis formed on an imaging surface of the image sensor 129 through actionsof the lens 121, the AF mechanism 123, the diaphragm 125, and thecamera-shake correction mechanism 127. The image sensor 129 is, forexample, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a chargecoupled device (CCD) that performs photoelectric conversion on thesubject image and outputs an analog image signal. The imaging unit 135may further include a constituent element (not illustrated), such as atiming generator for driving the image sensor 129.

The analog image signal output by the image sensor 129 is supplied tothe signal processing unit 133 via the image sensor I/F 131 and isconverted into a digital image signal therein. Accordingly, in theillustrated example, the image signal output from the imaging unit 135is a digital image signal. The signal processing unit 133 is realizedby, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP).

Here, it is necessary to supply power to, for example, the AF mechanism123, the diaphragm 125, the camera-shake correction mechanism 127, andthe image sensor 129 among the constituent elements of the imaging unit135 in order to perform the functions thereof. Accordingly, appropriatepower is supplied to these constituent elements via the power controlI/F 201. As will be described below, in the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the power supply to the imaging unit is controlled accordingto an image display state on the display unit 217. In the illustratedexample, the AF mechanism 123, the diaphragm 125, the camera-shakecorrection mechanism 127, and the image sensor 129 correspond topredetermined portions for which the power supply is controlled in theimaging unit. The power supply to all of these portions may not becontrolled and power supply to other portions may be further controlled.

The power control UF 201 supplies power to the predetermined portions ofthe above-described imaging unit 135 under the control of the powercontrol unit 203. As will be described below, the power control unit 203controls the power supply to the imaging unit 135 in shift betweendisplay modes by the display control unit 215. More specifically, forexample, the power control unit 203 controls whether the power issupplied to the predetermined portions of the imaging unit 135. Thepower control unit 203 can be realized by software by, for example, acentral processing unit (CPU).

The calculation unit 205 controls an action of each unit of the device1000. The calculation unit 205 can be realized by software by, forexample, the CPU.

The volatile storage unit 207 is used to temporarily load a program readfrom the non-volatile storage unit 301, for example, in order for theCPU to realize the function of each unit described herein. The volatilestorage unit 207 may temporarily store various kinds of data used forthe function of each unit described herein.

The signal processing unit 209 processes an image signal used for thedisplay control unit 215 to cause the display unit 217 to display animage. The signal processing unit 209 may be realized, for example,using a DSP as in the signal processing unit 133 of the imaging unit 135or may be realized by software by the CPU.

The input unit 211 is used for an operation input of the user. The inputunit 211 is, for example, an operation element such as a buttoninstalled on the casing of the device 1000 or a touch sensor installedon the display unit 217. The operation input of the user can be, forexample, an operation input performed to move or select an imagedisplayed on the display unit 217 or switch a display or imaging mode ofthe device 1000.

The input processing unit 213 acquires the operation input of the useracquired by the input unit 211 and delivers the operation input to eachunit of the device 1000. For example, the operation input may bedelivered temporarily to the calculation unit 205, and then may bedelivered appropriately to each unit from the calculation unit 205.Alternatively, the operation input may be delivered directly from theinput processing unit 213 to each unit. The input processing unit 213can be, for example, a software interface realized by the CPU.

The display control unit 215 controls display of the display unit 217.The display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to displayvarious images including EE images and reproduced images. The displaycontrol unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to display EE images andimages (which can include reproduced images satisfying a predeterminedcondition and are also referred to as EE-relevant images below) having apredetermined relation with the EE images and other reproduced images.The display control unit 215 can be realized by software by, forexample, a CPU or a graphical processing unit (GPU).

Here, in the following description, when the display control unit 215causes the display unit 217 to display the foregoing images, a firstdisplay mode in which the EE-relevant images and the other reproducedimages are displayed and a second display mode in which the EE-relevantimages are not displayed and the other reproduced images are display aredefined. When shift between the display modes occurs, the power controlunit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit 135 during theshift. The first and second display modes can be modes shown as theresult of the display control by the display control unit 215, andaccordingly, such modes may not necessarily be defined in a processingorder of the display control unit 215.

The display unit 217 can be, for example, an LCD or an organicelectro-luminescence (EL) display. The display unit 217 displays variousimages under the control of the display control unit 215.

The non-volatile storage unit 301 persistently records various kinds ofdata used in the device 1000. The non-volatile storage unit 301 records,for example, the program executed by the CPU to realize the function ofeach of the foregoing units by software and captured images acquired bythe imaging unit 135. The captured images recorded in the non-volatilestorage unit 301 can be subsequently read as reproduced images and canbe displayed on the display unit 217 by the display control unit 215.The non-volatile storage unit 301 may be a storage device such as a harddisk included in the device 1000 or may be a removable storage mediumsuch as a semiconductor memory or various disks which can be mounted onthe device 1000.

The non-volatile storage UF 303 is an interface used to record and readdata in and from the non-volatile storage unit 301. For example, whenthe non-volatile storage unit 301 is a storage device included in thedevice 1000, the non-volatile storage I/F 303 can be an internalinterface of the device 1000. Alternatively, when the non-volatilestorage unit 301 is a removable storage medium, the non-volatile storageI/F 303 can be a driver of the removable storage medium.

3. Embodiments Relating to Display Forms

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.First, several embodiments of display forms will be described. Theseembodiments relate mainly to how display of EE-relevant images and theother reproduced images is changed. Accordingly, these embodiments canbe combined with any of the embodiments relating to internal processesto be described below.

3-1. First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a first example of display in thefirst embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, thedisplay control unit 215 arranges an EE image 410 and reproduced images420 a to 420 c and causes the display unit 217 to display these images.Here, when the reproduced image 420 a is selected through a user'soperation, display of the reproduced image 420 a is expanded.Accordingly, the display of the EE image 410 and the other reproducedimages 420 b and 420 c is hidden on the posterior side of the reproducedimage 420 a. Such display is realized, for example, by separating ascreen displaying the reproduced image 420 a from a screen displayingthe EE image 410 and the reproduced images 420 b and 420 c andsuperimposing the screens transparently.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 410 and the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 410 is not displayed andthe reproduced image 420 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes a mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 from a camera mode to areproduction mode when the entire EE image 410 is shield by the expandedreproduced image 420 a and the EE image 410 is not included in thedisplay region. In the description of the following embodiments, thecamera mode means a mode in which power is supplied to the AF mechanism123, the diaphragm 125, the camera-shake correction mechanism 127, andthe image sensor 129 and the reproduction mode means a mode in which nopower is supplied thereto.

When the reproduced image 420 a is selected but the EE image 410 stillremains in the display region, for example, there is a probability ofthe imaging being performed by the user who views a subject pictured inthe EE image 410. Accordingly, this state is preferably a state in whichimaging can still be performed, i.e., a state in which power is suppliedto each unit of the imaging unit 135.

Conversely, when the reproduced image 420 a is expanded in the displayof the display unit 217 and the entire EE image 410 is accordinglyshielded, the user does not view which is pictured in the EE image 410,and thus the probability of the imaging being performed is low.Accordingly, in this state, the power supply to the predeterminedportions of the imaging unit 135 is preferably stopped to save thepower.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 410 is notincluded in the display region. For example, the power control unit 203may control the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of theEE image 410 is shielded by the reproduced image 420 a and the contentof the EE image 410 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a second example of the displayaccording to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIG. 5, the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 todisplay the reproduced image 420 a. This state is exactly the same asthe state in which the change in the display illustrated in FIG. 4described above ends. Here, when a predetermined user's operation on thereproduced image 420 a is acquired, the display of the reproduced image420 a is contracted. Accordingly, the display of the EE image 410 andthe other reproduced images 420 b and 420 c hidden on the posterior sideof the reproduced image 420 a appears.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the second display mode in which theEE image 410 is not displayed and the reproduced image 420 a isdisplayed to the first display mode in which the EE image 410 and thereproduced images 420 a to 420 c are displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the reproduction mode tothe camera mode when a part of the EE image 410 is not shielded throughthe contraction of the reproduced image 420 a and the EE image 410 isincluded in the display region.

When the user performs an operation of contracting the reproduced image420 a and the EE image 410 is included in the display region, there is aprobability of the user intending to perform imaging while viewing theEE image 410 thereafter. Accordingly, at this time, the power supply toeach unit of the imaging unit 135 preferably resumes to return to theimageable state.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the EE image 410 is evenslightly included in the display region. For example, the power controlunit 203 may control the power supply when a predetermined ratio or moreof the EE Image 410 is not shielded and the content of the EE image 410can be substantially viewed in the display region.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a first example of display in thethird embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, in away similar to the example in FIG. 4, the display control unit 215arranges an EE image 410 and reproduced images 420 a to 420 c and causesthe display unit 217 to display these images. Here, when the EE image410 is selected through a user's operation, display of the EE image 410is expanded. Accordingly, the display of the reproduced images 420 a to420 c is hidden on the posterior side of the EE image 410. Such displayis realized, for example, by separating a screen displaying the EE image410 from a screen displaying the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c andsuperimposing the screens transparently.

In this state, the display of the display unit 217 by the displaycontrol unit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode inwhich the EE image 410 and the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c aredisplayed to a display mode in which the EE image 410 is displayed andthe reproduced images 420 a to 420 c are not displayed. In theembodiment, in this shift case, the power control unit 203 does notcontrol the power supply to the imaging unit 135. Accordingly, the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 remains to be the cameramode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a fourth example of the displayaccording to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIG. 7, the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 todisplay the EE image 410. This state is exactly the same as the state inwhich the change in the display illustrated in FIG. 6 described aboveends. Here, when a predetermined user's operation on the EE image 410 isacquired, the display of the EE image 410 is contracted. Accordingly,the display of the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c hidden on theposterior side of the EE image 410 appears.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the display mode in which the EEimage 410 is displayed and the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c are notdisplayed to the first display mode in which the EE image 410 and thereproduced images 420 a to 420 c are displayed. In the embodiment, inthis shift case, the power control unit 203 does not control the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 either. Accordingly, the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 remains to be the camera mode.

(Modification Example)

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a first example of the displayaccording to a modification example of the first embodiment of thepresent embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the display control unit 215arranges EE images 410 a and 410 b and reproduced images 420 a to 420 cand causes the display unit 217 to display these images. This example isdifferent from the example of FIGS. 4 to 7 described above in that theplurality of EE images 410 a and 410 b are displayed. The EE images 410a and 410 b may be acquired by different imaging units. In this case, 10illustrated in FIG. 2 includes the plurality of imaging devices 100which can each transmit image data of the EE image to the display device200. Alternatively, the device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes theplurality of imaging units 135 which can each acquire image data of theEE image and supply the image to the display control unit 215.

Alternatively, the EE images 410 a and 410 b may be acquired by the sameimaging unit. In this case, the EE images 410 a and 410 b can be, forexample, images for which EE images acquired by the same imaging unitare displayed at different magnifications.

Here, when the reproduced image 420 a is selected through a user'soperation, display of the reproduced image 420 a is expanded.Accordingly, the display of the EE images 410 a and 410 b and the otherreproduced images 420 b and 420 c is hidden on the posterior side of thereproduced image 420 a. Such display is realized, for example, byseparating a screen displaying the reproduced images 420 a from a screendisplaying the EE image 410 a and 410 b and the reproduced images 420 band 420 c and superimposing the screens transparently.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE images 140 a and 410 b and the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c aredisplayed to the second display mode in which the EE images 410 a and410 b are not displayed and the reproduced image 420 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. For example, the power control unit 203 may determine whether eachof the EE images 410 a and 410 b is included in a display region. Inthis case, when the entire EE image 410 a is shielded by the expandedreproduced image 420 a and the EE image 410 a is not included in thedisplay region, the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit havingacquired the EE image 410 a is changed from the camera mode to thereproduction mode. Further, when the entire EE image 410 b is shieldedby the expanded reproduced image 420 a and the EE image 410 b is notincluded in the display region, the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit having acquired the EE image 410 b is changed from thecamera mode to the reproduction mode.

Alternatively, the power control unit 203 may collectively determinewhether the EE images 410 a and 410 b are included in the displayregion. In this case, when both of the EE images 410 a and 410 b areshielded by the expanded reproduced image 420 a and none of the EEimages 410 a and 410 b is included in the display region, the mode ofthe power supply to each of the imaging units having acquired the EEimages 410 a and 410 b is changed from the camera mode to thereproduction mode.

In any case, as illustrated, when none of the EE images 410 a and 410 bis displayed through the expansion of the reproduced image 420 a, themode of the power supply to each imaging unit is set to the reproductionmode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a second example of the displayaccording to a modification example of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the display control unit 215causes the display unit 217 to display the reproduced image 420 a. Thisstate is exactly the same as the state in which the change in thedisplay illustrated in FIG. 8 described above ends. Here, when apredetermined user's operation on the reproduced image 420 a isacquired, the display of the reproduced image 420 a is contracted.Accordingly, the display of the EE images 410 a and 410 b and the otherreproduced images 420 b and 420 c hidden on the posterior side of thereproduced image 420 a appears.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the second display mode in which theEE images 410 a and 410 b are not displayed and the reproduced image 420a is displayed to the first display mode in which the EE images 410 aand 410 b and the reproduced images 420 a to 420 c are displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. For example, the power control unit 203 may determine whether eachof the EE images 410 a and 410 b is included in the display region. Inthis case, when a part of the EE image 410 a is not shielded throughcontraction of the reproduced image 420 a and the EE image 410 a isincluded in the display region, the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit having acquired the EE image 410 a is changed from thereproduction mode to the camera mode. Further, when a part of the EEimage 410 b is not shielded through contraction of the reproduced image420 a and the EE image 410 b is included in the display region, the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit having acquired the EE image 410b is changed from the reproduction mode to the camera mode.

Alternatively, the power control unit 203 may collectively determinewhether the EE images 410 a and 410 b are included in the displayregion. In this case, when a part of one of the EE images 410 a and 410b is not shielded through the contraction of the reproduced image 420 aand the one of the EE images 410 a and 410 b is included in the displayregion, the mode of the power supply to each of the imaging units havingacquired the EE images 410 a and 410 b is changed from the reproductionmode to the camera mode.

In any case, as illustrated, when each of the EE images 410 a and 410 bis displayed through the contraction of the reproduced image 420 a, themode of the power supply to each imaging unit is set to the camera mode.

The first example of the power control when a plurality of EE images aredisplayed is summarized in Table 1 below. Table 1 shows an example ofnormal display and zoomed display of images when two EE images acquiredby the same imaging unit. Here, “display” indicates that these imagesare included in the display region of the display unit 217 and “nodisplay” indicates that these images are not included in the displayregion of the display unit 217.

TABLE 1 POWER CONTROL WHEN TWO EE IMAGES ARE ACQUIRED FROM SAME IMAGINGUNIT EE Image Display Display No Display No Display Zoomed EE Display NoDisplay Display No Display Image Mode of Camera Camera CameraReproduction Power Mode Mode Mode Mode Supply

A second example of the power control when a plurality of EE images aredisplayed is summarized in Table 2 below. Table 2 shows an example ofseparate control and collective control of the mode of the power supplyto the imaging unit of each camera when two EE images are acquired bydifferent imaging units (camera A and camera B).

TABLE 2 POWER CONTROL WHEN TWO EE IMAGES ARE ACQUIRED BY DIFFERENTIMAGING UNITS EE Image Display Display No Display No Display (Camera A)EE Image Display No Display Display No Display (Camera B) Mode of CameraCamera Reproduction Reproduction Power Mode Mode Mode Mode Supply(Camera A: Separate Control) Mode of Camera Reproduction CameraReproduction Power Mode Mode Mode Mode Supply (Camera B: SeparateControl) Mode of Camera Camera Camera Reproduction Power Mode Mode ModeMode Supply (Collective Control)

In the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, whenthe EE image and the reproduced images can be mixed and displayed, thepower supply to the imaging unit is controlled depending on whether theEE image is displayed. Thus, for example, when there is a probability ofthe user performing imaging, the power supply to the imaging unit ismaintained. Otherwise, the power supply to the imaging unit is reducedor stopped. In this way, it is possible to reduce the waste power supplywhile ensuring operability of the user.

3-2. Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a display example of the secondembodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, the displaycontrol unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to display calendar display530 of images. The calendar display 530 is display in which thereproduced images recorded in the non-volatile storage unit 301 arearranged according to each date based on the photographing time. In theillustrated example, an EE image 531 is displayed in a regioncorresponding to the today's date of the calendar display 530 of theimages.

The calendar display 530 of the images is used, for example, when thereproduced images are displayed as thumbnails. A still image or a movingimage displayed in the region of each date can be, for example, arepresentative image of the date. On the other hand, the EE image 531can be displayed in the region corresponding to the today's date andimaging can also be performed using the EE image 531.

Here, when a region corresponding to the today's date including the EEimage 531 is selected through a user's operation, the entire display isscrolled left and an image group corresponding to the today's date isdisplayed. The image group includes, for example, an EE image 510 andreproduced images 520 a to 520 h. The reproduced images 520 a to 520 hcan be still images or moving images of which the photographing datesare today. In this state, since the EE image 510 is included in thedisplay region, the power control unit 203 allows the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to remain to be the camera mode.

When the reproduced image 520 a is selected through a user's operationfrom the displayed image group, the entire display is further scrolledleft and an expanded reproduced image 521 a is displayed. Accordingly,the EE image 410 and the reproduced images 520 a to 520 h go outsequentially from the left lend of the display region.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 510 and the reproduced images 520 a to 520 h are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 510 is not displayed andthe reproduced image 521 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the EE image 510 is scrolled with the display ofthe expanded reproduced image 521 a and the entire EE image 510 goes outfrom the left end of the display region.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 510 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 510 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 510 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

(Modification Example)

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to amodification example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIG. 11, the display control unit 215 causes the displayunit 217 to display calendar display 530 of the images. Here, when aregion corresponding to the today's date including the EE image 531 isselected through a user's operation, an image group window 533corresponding to the today's date is displayed and gradually expanded.When the image group window 533 is expanded up to a size correspondingto the entire display region, the display of the display unit 217becomes a state in which the same image group as that of the example ofFIG. 10 described above is displayed. The image group includes an EEimage 510 and reproduced images 520 a to 520 h. In this state, since theEE image 510 is included in the display region, the power control unit203 allows the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 toremain to be the camera mode.

Here, when the reproduced image 520 a is selected from among thedisplayed image group through a user's operation, display of thereproduced image 520 a is expanded. Accordingly, the display of the EEimages 510 and the other reproduced images 520 b to 520 h is hidden onthe posterior side of the reproduced image 520 a. Such display isrealized, for example, by separating a screen displaying the reproducedimages 520 a from a screen displaying the EE image 510 and thereproduced images 520 b to 520 h and superimposing the screenstransparently.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 510 and the reproduced images 520 a to 520 h are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 510 is not displayed andthe reproduced image 520 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. The power control unit 203 changes the mode of the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to the reproduction mode whenthe entire EE image 510 is shielded and the EE image does not includedin the display region.

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure described above, thecontrol of the power supply to the imaging unit can be combineddepending on presence or absence of the calendar display of the imagesincluding the EE image and the display of the EE image. Thus, whilemaintaining visibility and operability of the images using the calendardisplay, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary power supply.

3-3. Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an example of display according tothe third embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12,the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to displayfacial attribute display 630 of images. The facial attribute display 630is display in which reproduced images recorded in the non-volatilestorage unit 301 are arranged for each face included as a subject in thereproduced images. In the illustrated example, an EE image 631 isdisplayed in a region corresponding to an image group in which the sameface as the face included as the subject in the EE image is included.

The facial attribute display 630 is used, for example, when thereproduced images are displayed as thumbnails. A still image or a movingimage displayed in the region of each face can be, for example, arepresentative image in which each face is included as the subject. Onthe other hand, the EE image 631 can be displayed in the regioncorresponding to the currently pictured face and imaging can also beperformed using the EE image 631.

Here, when a region corresponding to the current face including the EEimage 631 is selected through a user's operation, the entire display isscrolled left and an image group including the same face as the EE imageis displayed. The image group includes, for example, an EE image 610 andreproduced images 620 a to 620 h. The reproduced images 620 a to 620 hcan be still images or moving images including the same face as the faceincluded as the subject in the EE image 610. In this state, since the EEimage 610 is included in the display region, the power control unit 203allows the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to remain tobe the camera mode.

When the reproduced image 620 a is selected through a user's operationfrom the displayed image group, the entire display is further scrolledleft and an expanded reproduced image 621 a is displayed. Accordingly,the EE image 410 and the reproduced images 620 a to 620 h go outsequentially from the left lend of the display region.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 610 and the reproduced images 620 a to 620 h are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 610 is not displayed andthe reproduced image 621 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the EE image 610 is scrolled with the display ofthe expanded reproduced image 621 a and the entire EE image 610 goes outfrom the left end of the display region.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 610 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 610 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 610 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an example of attributeclassification of images according to the third embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, in the embodiment, thereproduced images are classified according to the entire face, a part(eyes or the like) of the face, an expression, a specific person, aspecific appearance (sunglasses, a mask, or a hat), or the like.Accordingly, for example, still images and moving images having thecommon attribute can be displayed in the same region in the facialattribute display 630. The still images and the moving images having thecommon attribute to the EE image can be displayed as the reproducedimages 620 a to 620 h along with the EE image 610 when the EE image 631is selected in the facial attribute display 630.

In the third embodiment of the present disclosure described above, thecontrol of the power supply to the imaging unit can be combineddepending on presence or absence of the facial attribute display of theimages including the EE image and the display of the EE image. Thus,while maintaining visibility and operability of the images using thefacial attribute display, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary powersupply.

3-4. Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an example of display according tothe fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14,the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to displayposition attribute display 730 of images. The position attribute display730 is display in which reproduced images recorded in the non-volatilestorage unit 301 are arranged at each location based on photographingpositions. In the illustrated example, the reproduced images aredisplayed at positions corresponding to locations on a map. An EE image731 is displayed at the position corresponding to the current locationon the map.

The position attribute display 730 of the images is used, for example,when the reproduced images are displayed as thumbnails. A still image ora moving image displayed in the region of each location can be, forexample, a representative image of the location. On the other hand, theEE image 731 can be displayed in the position corresponding to thecurrent location and imaging can also be performed using the EE image731.

Here, when the EE image 731 is selected through a user's operation, theentire display is scrolled left and an image group corresponding to thecurrent location is displayed. The image group includes, for example, anEE image 710 and reproduced images 720 a to 720 h. The reproduced images720 a to 720 h can be still images or moving images of which thephotographing position is close to the current location. In this state,since the EE image 710 is included in the display region, the powercontrol unit 203 allows the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit135 to remain to be the camera mode.

When the reproduced image 720 a is selected through a user's operationfrom the displayed image group, the entire display is further scrolledleft and an expanded reproduced image 721 a is displayed. Accordingly,the EE image 410 and the reproduced images 720 a to 720 h go outsequentially from the left lend of the display region.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 710 and the reproduced images 720 a to 720 h are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 710 is not displayed andthe reproduced image 721 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the EE image 710 is scrolled with the display ofthe expanded reproduced image 721 a and the entire EE image 510 goes outfrom the left end of the display region.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 710 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 710 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 710 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, thecontrol of the power supply to the imaging unit can be combineddepending on presence or absence of the position attribute display ofthe images including the EE image and the display of the EE image. Thus,while maintaining visibility and operability of the images using theposition attribute display, it is possible to reduce the unnecessarypower supply.

3-5. Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 15 to 18.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing an example of display according tothe fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 15,the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to arrange anddisplay an EE image 810 and reproduced images 820 a to 820 c. Here, whena screen is slid upward through a user's operation, the entire displayis scrolled up. Accordingly, the EE image 810 goes out from the upperend of the display region. On the other hand, reproduced images 820 d to820 i newly appear from the lower end of the display region.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 810 and the reproduced images 820 a to 820 c are displayed tothe second display mode in which the EE image 810 is not displayed andthe reproduced images 820 a to 820 i are displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the entire EE image 810 goes out from the upperend of the display region with the scroll of the entire display.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 810 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 810 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 810 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a scroll operation in the fifthembodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 16, in theembodiment, for example, different results are obtained between a scrolloperation when the EE image 810 and the reproduced images 820 a to 820 iare displayed and a scroll operation when the single reproduced image821 is displayed. In the former case, for example, as described in theexample of FIG. 15 described above, the entire display including theplurality of images is scrolled and the power supply to the imaging unit135 is controlled depending on whether the EE image 810 is included inthe display region. On the other hand, in the latter case, for example,the displayed reproduced image 821 is expanded or contracted or aportion zoomed in and displayed in the reproduced image 821 is moved ina scroll direction.

A difference in the function by the scroll operation can be realized,for example, by setting a predetermined display mode in the display ofthe display unit 217 by the display control unit 215 and allocating thescroll operation to correspond to each display mode, as in the foregoingexample of the power control.

(First Modification Example)

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing an example of display according to afirst modification of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIG. 17, the display control unit 215 causes the displayunit 217 to arrange and display an EE image 810 and reproduced images820 a to 820 c. Here, when a screen is slid upward through a user'soperation, the entire display is scrolled up. Accordingly, the EE image810 goes out from the upper end of the display region. On the otherhand, reproduced image 820 p and reproduced images 820 e to 820 i newlyappear from the lower end of the display region.

Here, a reproduced image 820 p is a reproduced image having a commonattribute to the EE image 810. The common attribute between thereproduced image 820 p and the EE image 810 can be, for example, anattribute regarding a photographing time, a photographing position, or asubject, as described in the foregoing embodiment. The reproduced image820 p and the EE image 810 may have only one common attribute or aplurality of common attributes.

In the modification example, the EE-relevant image includes the EE imageand the reproduced images having the common attribute to that of the EEimage, unlike the foregoing example of FIG. 15. In the illustratedexample, the display of the display unit 217 by the display control unit215 is changed from a state in which the EE image 810 and the reproducedimages 820 a to 820 c are displayed to a state in which the reproducedimage 820 p is displayed without the display of the EE image 810 and thereproduced images 820 a to 820 c and 820 e to 820 i are furtherdisplayed via a state in which both of the EE image 810 and thereproduced image 820 p are displayed.

According to the foregoing definition of the EE-relevant image, thedisplay mode can be said to remain to be the first display mode in whichthe EE-relevant image is displayed through the change in the displaystate. Accordingly, irrespective of the foregoing change in the display,the power control unit 203 allows the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit 135 to remain to be the camera mode.

Thereafter, when the reproduced image 820 p also goes out from thedisplay region through a new user's operation and the other reproducedimages having the common attribute to the EE image 810 are notdisplayed, the power control unit 203 switches the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to the reproductionmode. Acquisition of the attribute of the EE image when the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 becomes the reproduction mode willbe described below.

When the EE image 810 is not included in the display region despite thefact that the user scrolls up the entire display and the reproducedimage, such as the reproduced image 820 p, having the common attributeto the EE image 810 is further displayed, a probability of the userdisplaying the EE image 810 again and performing the imaging is higherthan when the displayed reproduced image has no common attribute to theEE image 810. Accordingly, while the reproduced image 820 p isdisplayed, it is desirable to maintain the power supply to the imagingunit 135, display the EE image 810 again, and perform the imaging.

(Second Modification Example)

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an example of display in a secondmodification example of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIG. 18, the display control unit 215 causes the displayunit 217 to display reproduced images 820 a to 820 i. This state isexactly the same as the state in which the change in the displayillustrated in FIG. 15 described above ends. Here, when the screen isslid downward through a user's operation, the entire display is scrolleddown. Accordingly, the reproduced images 820 d to 820 i sequentially goout from the lower end of the display region. On the other hand, analternative EE image 840 newly appears from the upper end of the displayregion.

As in the other foregoing embodiments, even in the example of FIG. 15described above, the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 ischanged from the reproduction mode to the camera mode by the powercontrol unit 203, for example, when the EE image 810 appears again fromthe upper end of the display region by the scroll of the display.However, even when the mode of the power supply is switched to resumethe power supply to each unit of the imaging unit 135, it takes a timeto activate each unit. Therefore, the EE image 810 is not displayedimmediately in some cases.

In this case, the configuration of the modification example can beapplied. When the EE image 810 is not displayed due to a certain reason,e.g., non-acquisition of the image immediately after the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 resumes, despite the fact that the regionoriginally displaying the EE image 810 is included in the displayregion, the alternative EE image 840 can be displayed instead. When thepower supply resumes, each unit of the imaging unit 135 is activated,and the images can be acquired, the EE image 810 is displayed instead ofthe alternative EE image 840.

That is, in the modification example, the EE-relevant image includes theEE image and the alternative EE image which is an image displayed as analternative of the EE image. In the illustrated example, the display ofthe display unit 217 by the display control unit 215 is changed from astate in which none of the EE image 810 and the alternative EE image 840is displayed and the reproduced images 820 a to 820 i are displayed to astate in which the EE image 810 and the reproduced images 820 a to 820 care displayed via a state in which the alternative EE image 840 isdisplayed as an alternative of the EE image 810.

According to the foregoing definition of the EE-relevant image, thedisplay mode can be said to cause the display mode, through the changein the display state, to shift from the second display mode in which theEE-relevant image is not displayed and the first display mode in whichthe EE-relevant image is displayed when the display of the alternativeEE image 840 starts. While the power supply to the imaging unit 135stops, the actual EE image is not acquired. Therefore, as in themodification example, the shift between the display modes can beappropriately defined by including the image displayed as thealternative of the EE image in the EE-relevant image.

In the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, evenwhen the display of the images is changed through a slide or scrollaction on the screen as in the case in which the display of the imagesis changed through expansion or contraction by selecting the image, thepower supply to the imaging unit can be controlled depending on presenceor absence of the display of the EE-relevant image. Thus, it is possibleto reduce the unnecessary power supply while ensuring the operability ofthe user.

3-6. Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of display according tothe sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 19,the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to display anEE image 910. Here, when a screen is slid leftward through a user'soperation, the entire display is scrolled left. Accordingly, areproduced image 920 appears from the right end of the display region.On the other hand, the EE image 910 gradually goes out from the left endof the display region and the entire EE image 910 to be out from thedisplay region before long. At this time, the reproduced image 920 isdisplayed on the display unit 217.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from a mode in which the EE image 910 isdisplayed to the first display mode in which the EE image 910 and thereproduced image 920 are displayed and the second display mode in whichthe EE image 910 is not displayed and the reproduced image 920 isdisplayed.

During the foregoing shift between the display modes, the power controlunit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit 135 in the shiftfrom the first display mode to the second display mode. Morespecifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to the reproductionmode when the entire EE image 910 goes out from the left end of thedisplay region with the scroll of the entire display.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 910 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 910 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 910 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

In the foregoing example, the initial display mode, i.e., the mode inwhich the reproduced image 920 is not displayed and the EE image 910 isdisplayed, is not defined as the first or second mode, but the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 is set as the camera mode dueto the state in which the EE image 910 is mainly displayed.

In the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, evenwhen the display of the images is changed through the slide or scrollaction in the left or right direction on the screen, the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 is controlled depending on the present or absenceof the display of the EE-relevant image, as in the case of the upper orlower direction. Thus, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary powersupply while ensuring the operability of the user.

3-7. Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an example of display according tothe seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 20,the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to arrange anddisplay an EE image 1010, reproduced still images 1021, and a reproducedmoving image 1023. Here, when a screen is slid upward through a user'soperation, the entire display is scrolled up. Accordingly, parts of theEE image 1010 and the reproduced still image 1021 go out from the upperend of the display region. On the other hand, new reproduced stillimages 1021 appear from the lower end of the display region.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 1010, the reproduced still images 1021, and the reproducedmoving image 1023 are displayed to the second mode in which the EE image1010 is not displayed and the reproduced still images 1021 and thereproduced moving image 1023 are displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the entire EE image 1010 goes out from the upperend of the display region with the scroll of the entire display.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 1010 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 1010 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 1010 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

The embodiment is different from the other foregoing embodiments in thatthe EE image 1010, the reproduced still images 1021, and the reproducedmoving image 1023 are displayed along with different display ranges. Forexample, the EE image 1010 is displayed along with a display frameimitating a camera. The reproduced still image 1021 is displayed alongwith a display range imitating the edge of a silver-halide photo. Thereproduced moving image 1023 is displayed along with a display rangeimitating a movie film.

Thus, in the embodiment, even when the EE image 1010, the reproducedstill images 1021, and the reproduced moving image 1023 are mixed anddisplayed, the user can easily recognize the kinds of images. When theuser easily comprehends that the EE image 1010 is displayed along withthe reproduced still image 1021 or the reproduced moving image 1023, aprobability of the imaging performed during the display of the EE image1010 is considered to be higher. Therefore, as described above, thecontrol of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 by the power controlunit 203 is effective.

3-8. Eighth Embodiment

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing a first example of display accordingto the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG.21, the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 to arrangeand display an EE image 1110 and reproduced images 1120 a to 1120 h.Here, when the reproduced image 1120 a is expanded through a user'soperation, the display of the entire image group including the displayof the reproduced image 420 a is expanded centering on the reproducedimage 420 a. Accordingly, the display of the EE image 1110 and the otherreproduced images 420 b to 420 h sequentially go out from the ends ofthe display region. Finally, the expanded reproduced image 1120 a issolely displayed on the display unit 217.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the first display mode in which theEE image 1110 and the reproduced images 1120 a to 1120 h are displayedto the second display mode in which the EE image 1110 is not displayedand the reproduced image 1120 a is displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the camera mode to thereproduction mode when the entire EE image 1110 goes out from the end ofthe display region with the expansion of the display of the entire imagegroup.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the entire EE image 1110 goesout from the display region. For example, the power control unit 203 maycontrol the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of the EEimage 1110 goes out from the display region and the content of the EEimage 1110 is substantially not viewable in the display region.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing a second example of displayaccording to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIG. 22, the display control unit 215 causes the display unit 217 todisplay the reproduced image 1120 a. This state is exactly the same asthe state in which the change in the display illustrated in FIG. 21described above ends. Here, when the reproduced image 1120 a iscontracted through a user's operation, the display of the entire imagegroup including the display of the reproduced image 420 a (the imagesother than the reproduced image 1120 a go out from the display regiondue to the change in the display illustrated in FIG. 21) is contractedcentering on the reproduced image 420 a. Accordingly, the display of theEE image 1110 and the other reproduced images 420 b to 420 hsequentially appears from the end of the display region. Finally, the EEimage 1110 and the reproduced images 1120 a to 1120 h are displayed onthe display unit 217.

In this case, the display of the display unit 217 by the display controlunit 215 can be said to shift from the second display mode in which theEE image 1110 is not displayed and the reproduced image 1120 a isdisplayed to the first display mode in which the EE image 1110 and thereproduced images 1120 a to 1120 h are displayed.

In the shift between the display modes by the display control unit 215,the power control unit 203 controls the power supply to the imaging unit135. More specifically, the power control unit 203 changes the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 from the reproduction mode tothe camera mode when a part of the EE image 1110 appears in the displayregion with the expansion of the display of the entire image group.

In the foregoing example, the power control unit 203 does notnecessarily control the power supply when the EE image 1110 slightlyappears in the display region. For example, the power control unit 203may control the power supply when a predetermined ratio or more of theEE image 1110 appears in the display region and the content of the EEimage 1110 can be substantially viewed in the display region.

In the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, evenwhen the display of the images is changed through the expansion orcontraction of the entire image group as in the case in which thedisplay of the images is changed through expansion or contraction byselecting the image, the power supply to the imaging unit can becontrolled depending on presence or absence of the display of theEE-relevant image. Thus, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary powersupply while ensuring the operability of the user.

4. Embodiments Relating to Internal Processes

Next, several embodiments relating to internal processes will bedescribed. The embodiments relate to the processes performed to realizethe change in the display of the display unit exemplified in theembodiments of the foregoing display forms and the control of the powerof the imaging unit performed with the change in the display.Accordingly, the embodiments can be combined with any of the embodimentof the above-described display forms.

4-1. Ninth Embodiment

First, a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 23 to 33. The ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure relates to region setting on a screen. In the foregoingembodiments, the power supply to the imaging unit 135 has beencontrolled according to the positional relation between the EE-relevantimage and the display region of the display unit 217. The embodiment isapplicable to each embodiment in which the control is performed, i.e.,any of the foregoing embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing an example of a screen configurationaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIG. 23, the screen displayed on the display unit 217 by the displaycontrol unit 215 according to the embodiment includes a plurality ofscreens 1201, 1211, 1221, and 1231 mutually superimposed to bedisplayed. For example, as described in the foregoing first embodimentand the like, expanding a selected image and displaying the selectedimage on the anterior side of the other images can be realized bysuperimposing the plurality of screens transparently in this way.

This screen is a screen imaginarily set to realize the display of thedisplay unit 217 and the entire screen is not necessarily displayed tobe viewable for the user. For example, as described in the foregoingeighth embodiment and the like, by setting the screen beyond the rangeof the display region and expanding or contracting the screen, it ispossible to expand and display a specific image or contract each imageand display the entire image group. FIG. 23 illustrates an example of asettable screen and four screens that are not necessarily besuperimposed and displayed. For example, only the screen 1201 may be setor two, three, or five or more screens may be set according to thecontent displayed on the display unit 217.

4-1-1. Example of Screen on Foremost Side

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in afirst screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. A first screen 1201 is illustrated in FIG. 24. Asillustrated in FIG. 23 described above, the first screen 1201 is ascreen displayed on the foremost side among the plurality of screens.Even when only single screen is set, i.e., 2-dimensional display inwhich superimposition of screens is not used is set, the same screen asthe first screen 1201 is set.

In the first screen 1201, a display region 1203, an ON region 1205, andan OFF region 1207 are set. The display region 1203 is a region that isdisplayed on the display unit 217 and is viewed by the user.

The ON region 1205 is a region in which the display mode is determinedto shift to the first display mode and the mode of the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 is set to the camera mode by the power control unit203 when an EE-relevant image is included in the region.

The OFF region 1207 is a region in which the display mode is determinedto shift to the second display mode and the mode of the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 is set to the reproduction mode by the powercontrol unit 203 when an EE-relevant image is not included in theregion.

As the display region has been described in each of the foregoingembodiments, the fact that “an EE-relevant image is included in aregion” may mean that the EE-relevant image is included in a smallportion of the region or may mean that a portion with a predeterminedratio or more of the EE-relevant image is included in the region.Further, the fact that an EE-relevant image is not included in a region”may mean that the EE-relevant image is not entirely included in theregion or may mean that only a portion with a ratio less than apredetermined ratio of the EE-relevant image is included in the region.

In the following description, for simplicity, it is assumed fordescription that the fact that “an EE-relevant image is included in aregion” means that the EE-relevant image is included in a small portionof the region and the fact that an EE-relevant image is not included ina region” means that the EE-relevant image is not entirely included inthe region. However, as described above, this description does notexclude another analysis of the phrase.

For example, as exemplified in each of the foregoing embodiments, a casein which an EE-relevant image comes in and goes out the display region1203 by sliding a screen or by expanding or contracting the entirescreen will be considered.

(Case in Which EE-Relevant Image Goes Out)

In this case, first, the mode of the power supply is the camera modewhen the EE-relevant image is completely located in the display region1203. Even when the EE-relevant image is moved outward from this stateand is not included in the display region 1203, the mode of the powersupply remains to be the camera mode as long as the EE-relevant image isincluded in the OFF region 1207. This is because while the EE-relevantimage is located close to the display region 1203, there is a relativelyhigh probability of an operation of moving the EE-relevant image in theopposite direction therefrom being acquired and the EE-relevant imagebeing included in the display region 1203 again.

As described above, once the mode of the power supply is set to thereproduction mode, it takes some time to return the mode of the powersupply to the camera mode and to acquire the EE image. Accordingly, asdescribed above, when the OFF region 1207 is set as a region includingthe display region 1203 and a positional relation between the OFF region1207 and the EE-relevant image is used for the power control, it ispossible to prevent a waiting time of the user caused due to unnecessarymode switching from occurring.

On the other hand, when the EE-relevant image is moved further outwardand is not included in the OFF region 1207 either, the mode of the powersupply is switched to the reproduction mode. This is because when theEE-relevant image becomes distant from the display region 1203 to someextent, there is a low probability of an operation of returning theEE-relevant image to the display region 1203 being acquired, and evenwhen this operation is acquired, it takes some time for the EE-relevantimage to come in the display region 1203 again, and thus there is a lowprobability of the waiting time of the user due to the mode switchingoccurring.

(Case in Which EE-Relevant Image Comes In)

In this case, first, the mode of the power supply is the reproductionmode when the EE-relevant image is distant from the display region 1203and is not included in the ON region 1205 either. When the EE-relevantimage is moved toward the display region 1203 and is included in the ONregion 1205 from this state, the mode of the power supply is switchedfrom the reproduction mode to the camera mode despite the fact that theEE-relevant image is not yet included in the display region 1203. Thisis because when the EE-relevant image becomes close to the displayregion 1203 to the extent that the EE-relevant image is included in theON region 1205, there is a high probability of the EE-relevant imagebeing directly moved and included in the display region 1203.

As described above, once the mode of the power supply is set to thereproduction mode, it takes some time to return the mode of the powersupply to the camera mode and acquire the EE image. Accordingly, asdescribed above, the ON region 1205 is set as a region including thedisplay region 1203 and a positional relation between the ON region 1205and the EE-relevant image is used for the power control. When aprobability of the EE-relevant image comes in the display region 1203 isestimated to be high and the mode of the power supply is thus switchedto the camera mode in advance, it is possible to shorten or eliminatethe waiting time of the user occurring when the EE-relevant imageactually comes in the display region 1203.

(Relation of Each Region)

In the illustrated example, the ON region 1205 is set as the regionincluding the display region 1203 and the OFF region 1207 is set as theregion including the ON region 1205. That is, both of the ON region 1205and the OFF region 1207 are the regions including the display region1203, but the OFF region 1207 is larger than the ON region 1205.

Accordingly, a position at which the mode of the power supply isswitched from the camera mode to the reproduction mode when theEE-relevant image goes out from the display region 1203 is differentfrom a position at which the mode of the power supply is switched fromthe reproduction mode to the camera mode when the EE-relevant imagecomes in the display region 1203.

Therefore, for example, in a case in which the EE-relevant image goesout from the display region 1203, the mode of the power supply isalready switched to the reproduction mode when the EE-relevant imagegoes outside the OFF region 1207 temporarily and then turns slightly andcomes inside the OFF region 1207. Therefore, the further switching ofthe mode of the power supply does not occur. That is, unless theEE-relevant image is returned to the extent that the EE-relevant imagecomes inside the ON region 1205 again, then the mode of the power supplyis returned to the camera mode.

In a case in which the EE-relevant image comes in the display region1203, the mode of the power supply is already switched to the cameramode when the EE-relevant image comes in the ON region 1205 temporarilyand slightly returns and goes outside the ON region 1205. Therefore, thefurther switching of the mode of the power supply does not occur. Thatis, unless the EE-relevant image is returned to the extent that theEE-relevant image goes outside the OFF region 1207 again, the mode ofthe power supply is not returned to the reproduction mode.

By setting the ON region 1205 and the OFF region 1207 in this way, it ispossible to prevent the switching the mode of the power supply frombeing repeated frequently even when the EE image minutely reciprocatesacross any boundary of the ON region 1205 or the OFF region 1207.Depending on the configuration of the imaging unit 135, the repetitionof the switching of the mode of the power supply is not desirable fromthe viewpoint of protection of the members or the device since therepetition of the switching of the mode of the power supply leads torepetition of activation and stop of each constituent element.

However, for example, when movement of the EE-relevant image is simpleand a motion such as minute reciprocation beyond the boundary of theregion is not assumed, the ON region 1205 and the OFF region 1207 may beset as the same region. For example, in this case, since there is a lowprobability of the EE-relevant image which has gone out temporarily fromthe display region 1203 being immediately returned, the OFF region 1207may be set to be inside more than the ON region 1205 and the OFF region1207 may be identical to the display region 1203.

For example, when the mode of the power supply is the reproduction mode,each unit of the imaging unit 135 supplied with no power can bereactivated rapidly, and little waiting time occurs until the display ofthe EE image even at the time of the switching from the reproductionmode to the camera mode, the ON region 1205 may be identical to thedisplay region 1203.

4-1-2. Example of Screen Displayed on Posterior Side

FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in asecond screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The second screen 1211 is illustrated in FIG. 25. Asillustrated in FIG. 23 described above, the second screen 1211 is ascreen displayed on the posterior side of the first screen 1201.

In the second screen 1211, a display region 1213, an ON region 1215, andan OFF region 1217 are set. The display region 1213 is a region that isdisplayed on the display unit 217 and viewed by the user when thedisplay of the first screen 1201 displayed on the anterior side istransparent. Accordingly, the shape of the display region 1213 can bedifferent from the shape of the display unit 217.

The ON region 1215 and the OFF region 1217 are set to correspond to thedisplay region 1213 as in the example of the foregoing first screen1201. In the illustrated example, the ON region 1215 is set as a regionincluding the display region 1213 and the OFF region 1217 is set as aregion including the ON region 1215. When an EE-relevant image includedin the second screen 1211 comes in and goes out each of the ON region1215 and the OFF region 1217, the switching of the mode of the powersupply is also the same as that of the example of the foregoing firstscreen 1201.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in athird screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The third screen 1221 is illustrated in FIG. 26. Asillustrated in FIG. 23 described above, the third screen 1221 is ascreen that is displayed on the posterior side of the second screen1211.

In the third screen 1221, an ON region 1225 and an OFF region 1227 areset. In the third screen 1221, no display region is set. This is becausea region of which display is transparent is not present in the displayregion 1213 of the second screen 1211 displayed on the anterior side inthe illustrated example. That is, in the illustrated example, the thirdscreen 1221 is shielded by the second screen 1211 superimposed to bedisplayed on the anterior side.

In this case, the ON region 1225 and the OFF region 1227 in the thirdscreen 1221 are set to correspond to the display region 1213 of thesecond screen 1211 superimposed on the anterior side. This is becausethe region of the third screen 1221 located on the posterior side isdisplayed when a transparent region occurs in the display region 1213 ofthe second screen 1211 due to the change in the display and theshielding by the second screen 1211 is cancelled. When an EE-relevantimage included in the third screen 1221 comes in and goes out each ofthe ON region 1225 and the OFF region 1227, the switching of the mode ofthe power supply is also the same as that of the example of theforegoing first screen 1201.

4-1-1. Example of Screen on Foremost Side

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an example of a region set in afourth screen according to the ninth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. A fourth screen 1231 is illustrated in FIG. 27. Asillustrated in FIG. 23 described above, the fourth screen 1231 is ascreen displayed on the posterior side of the third screen 1221.

Since the fourth screen 1231 is shielded by the third screen 1221, adisplay region is not set in the fourth screen 1231. As described above,since the third screen 1221 is also shielded by the second screen 1211,a display region is not set in the third screen 1221 either. In thiscase, not only a display region but also an ON region and an OFF regionare not set in the fourth screen 1231. Even when a transparent regionoccurs in the display region 1213 of the second screen 1211 and theshielding by the second screen 1211 is cancelled, the displayed regionis the region in the third screen 1221. This is because the region ofthe fourth screen 1231 remains shielded.

When the display region is set in the third screen 1221, an ON regionand an OFF region can also be set to correspond to the display region inthe fourth screen 1231. This is because the region of the fourth screen1231 is displayed when a transparent region occurs in the display regionof the third screen 1221.

4-1-3. Processing Flow (First Example)

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. The firstexample is an example when the display region, the ON region, and theOFF region are all the same region.

First, the display control unit 215 determines whether the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 is the camera mode (step S101).Here, when the mode of the power supply is the camera mode, the displaycontrol unit 215 acquires an EE image from the imaging unit 135 (stepS103). Conversely, when the mode of the power supply is the reproductionmode, the display control unit 215 does not acquire an EE image since nopower is supplied to the image sensor 129 in the imaging unit 135 andthe like and no image can be acquired.

Next, the display control unit 215 acquires predetermined reproducedimages from the non-volatile storage unit 301 via the non-volatilestorage UF 303 (step S105). The reproduced images may already be readfrom the non-volatile storage unit 301 and may be cached in the volatilestorage unit 207.

Next, the display control unit 215 acquires operation information fromthe input unit 211 via the input processing unit 213 (step S107). Theoperation information acquired herein can be, for example, an operationof selecting one of the displayed images, an operation of scrolling thedisplay toward to one direction, or an operation of expanding orcontracting one of the displayed images, as exemplified in each of theforegoing embodiments.

Next, the display control unit 215 generates a display image based onthe acquired operation information (step S109) and causes the displayunit 217 to display the display image (step S111). The display imagedisplayed herein can be, for example, an image in which one image or theentire display for which the operation information is also displayed isexpanded or extracted or a screen for which the displayed operationinformation is moved in one direction based on the acquired operationinformation.

Next, the power control unit 203 determines whether an EE-relevant image(simply referred to as an “EE image” for simplicity in the flowchart) isin the display region in the display image displayed on the display unit217 by the display control unit 215 (step S113).

Herein, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage is in the display region, the power control unit 203 sets the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (stepS115) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of the powersupply is set to the reproduction mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to thereproduction mode (step 117) and the process returns to step S101. Whenthe mode of the power supply is set to the camera mode throughout theprocess performed hitherto, the switching of the mode is performedherein.

(Second Example)

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the processingflow according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thesecond example is an example when the display region is the same regionas the ON region and the OFF region includes the display region. Sincethe processes of steps S101 to S115 are the same as those of theforegoing first example, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the power control unit 203 determines in step S113 that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 determines whether the EE-relevant image is out of the OFF region(step S119).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage is out of the OFF region, the power control unit 203 sets the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode(step 117) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of thepower supply is set to the camera mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image is in the OFF region, the power control unit 203 doesnot perform the process regarding the mode of the power supply and theprocess returns to step S101.

That is, in this case, the mode of the power supply set throughout theprocess performed hitherto remains.

In the second example, when the EE-relevant image is out of the displayregion and in the OFF region, the mode of the power supply setthroughout the process performed hitherto remains. Thus, it is possibleto avoid frequent switching of the mode of the power supply due to aminute motion of the EE-relevant image.

(Third Example)

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the processing flowaccording to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. The thirdexample is an example when the display region is the same region as theOFF region and the ON region is set inside the display region=the OFFregion. Since the processes of steps S101 to S111 are the same as thoseof the foregoing first example, the description thereof will be omitted.

After step S111, the power control unit 203 determines whether theEE-relevant image has come in the ON region in the display imagedisplayed on the display unit 217 by the display control unit 215 (stepS121).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage has come in the ON region, the power control unit 203 sets themode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode(step S115) and the process returns to step S101. The fact that “theEE-relevant image comes in the ON region” means that the EE-relevantimage not included in the ON region is then included in the ON regionthrough the change in the display. When the mode of the power supply isthe reproduction mode before the EE-relevant image comes in the ONregion, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image has not come in the ON region, the power control unit203 further determines whether the EE-relevant image has gone out fromthe display region (step S123).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage has gone out from the display region, the power control unit 203sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to thereproduction mode (step S117) and the process returns to step S101. Thefact that the EE-relevant image goes out from the display region” meansthat the EE-relevant image included in the display region is then notincluded in the display region through the change in the display. Whenthe mode of the power supply is the camera mode before the EE-relevantimage goes out from the display region, the switching of the mode isperformed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image has not gone out from the display region, the powercontrol unit 203 does not perform the process regarding the mode of thepower supply and the process returns to step S101. That is, in thiscase, the mode of the power supply set throughout the process performedhitherto remains.

The third example is applicable, for example, to a case in which themode of the power supply is set to the camera mode when the EE-relevantimage sufficiently comes in the display region and the user cansufficiently view the EE-relevant image. In this case, since theEE-relevant image slightly coming in the display region is assumed to goout from the display region immediately, the mode of the power supply isnot yet switched to the camera mode at this time. When the EE-relevantimage further comes in the display region and also comes in the ONregion set inside, the mode of the power supply is switched to thecamera mode. Thus, only when the content of the EE-relevant image can beviewed, can the mode of the power supply be switched, and thus the powercan be further saved. Conversely, when the EE-relevant image goes outfrom the display region, the EE-relevant image goes out from the displayregion, and then the mode of the power supply is switched to thereproduction mode.

(Fourth Example)

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the processingflow according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefourth example is an example when the ON region includes the displayregion and the OFF region also includes the display region. Since theprocesses of steps S101 to S111 are the same as those of the foregoingfirst example, the description thereof will be omitted.

After step S111, the power control unit 203 determines whether theEE-relevant image is in the ON region in the display image displayed onthe display unit 217 by the display control unit 215 (step S125).

Herein, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage is in the ON region, the power control unit 203 sets the mode ofthe power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S115)and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supplyis set to the reproduction mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image is out of the ON region, the power control unit 203further determines whether the EE-relevant image is out of the OFFregion (step S119).

Herein, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage is out of the OFF region, the power control unit 203 sets the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode(step S117) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of thepower supply is set to the camera mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 determines that theEE-relevant image is in the OFF region, the power control unit 203 doesnot perform the process regarding the mode of the power supply and theprocess returns to step S101. That is, in this case, the mode of thepower supply set throughout the process performed hitherto remains.

In the second example, when the EE-relevant image is out of the ONregion and in the OFF region, the mode of the power supply setthroughout the process performed hitherto remains. Thus, it is possibleto avoid frequent switching of the mode of the power supply due to aminute motion of the EE-relevant image.

When the EE-relevant image comes in the ON region located outside morethan the display region, the mode of the power supply is set to thecamera mode. Therefore, it is possible to further shorten or eliminate awaiting time up to a time in which the EE image is displayed after theEE-relevant image comes in the display region.

4-1-4. Modification Examples (First Modification Example)

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing a first modification example of theninth embodiment of the present disclosure. A first screen 1301 isillustrated in FIG. 32. The natures of a display region 1303, an ONregion 1305, and an OFF region 1307 set in the first screen 1301 are thesame as those of the first screen 1201 described in the example of FIG.24 described above.

In the illustrated example, the ON region 1305 is also set as a regionincluding the display region 1303. However, the ON region 1305 is set asa region including a figure obtained by rotating the display region 1303around its center. That is, even when the display region 1303 is rotatedaround its center, the display region 1303 is included in the ON region1305.

This is a configuration in consideration of the rotation course of thedisplay region 1303. For example, when a mobile device is heldvertically or held horizontally, the display region 1303 is rotated insome cases. In this case, for example, when the mobile device is heldvertically, a region not included in the display region 1303 can beincluded in the display region 1303 in some cases when the mobile deviceis held horizontally or while display region shifts.

Accordingly, in the illustrated example, even while the display region1303 shifts from the vertically long shape to the horizontally longshape, the ON region 1305 is set in the foregoing way so that the modeof the power supply is not changed to the camera mode and theEE-relevant image does not come in the display region 1303. The OFFregion 1307 is set as a region further including the ON region 1305.

(Second Modification Example)

FIG. 33 is a diagram for describing a second modification example of theninth embodiment of the present disclosure. A first screen 1401 isillustrated in FIG. 33. The natures of a display region 1403, an ONregion 1405, and an OFF region 1407 set in the first screen 1401 are thesame as those of the first screen 1201 described in the example of FIG.24 described above.

In the illustrated example, the ON region 1405 is also set as a regionincluding the display region 1403. However, the ON region 1405 is set asa region including a figure in which the vertically long shape and thehorizontally long shape of the display region 1403 are superimposed.That is, even when the display region 1403 is changed from thehorizontally long shape to the vertically long shape, the display region1403 is included in the ON region 1405.

This is a configuration in consideration of the switching between thevertically long shape and the horizontally long shape of the displayregion 1403. For example, when a mobile device is held vertically orheld horizontally, the display region 1403 can be switched from thehorizontally long shape to the vertically long shape or vice versa.Thus, in the illustrated example, the ON region 1405 is set to have ashape corresponding to both of the horizontally long shape and thevertically long shape. Even when the display region 1403 is switchedfrom the vertically long shape to the horizontally long shape, the modeof the power supply is not switched to the camera mode and theEE-relevant image does not come in the display region 1403. The OFFregion 1407 is set as a region further including the ON region 1405.

4-2. Tenth Embodiment

Next, a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 34 to 40. The tenth embodiment of the presentdisclosure relates to a timing of the power supply control. In each ofthe foregoing embodiments, the power supply to the imaging unit 135 hasbeen controlled according to the display of the display unit 217. Theembodiment is applicable to each embodiment in which the control isperformed, i.e., each of the foregoing embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for describing an example of a timing of the powersupply control according to the tenth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 34, shift occurs on a time axis from astate in which the display of the EE-relevant image is present on thedisplay unit 217 and the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit135 is set to the camera mode to a state in which the display of theEE-relevant image is not present on the display unit 217 and the mode ofthe power supply is set to the reproduction mode.

In the illustrated example, even after the display of the EE-relevantimage disappears from the display unit 217, the mode of the power supplyremains to be the camera mode for a predetermined time. Thereafter, themode of the power supply is switched to the reproduction mode by thepower control unit 203.

A time in which the display of the EE-relevant image disappears from thedisplay unit 217 and the mode of the power supply is switched can besaid to be a predetermined waiting time. The waiting time is a time assoon as the EE-relevant image vanishes from the display unit 217.Therefore, there is a relatively high probability of the EE-relevantimage being returned to the display unit 217 again and the imaging beingperformed through a user's operation. Accordingly, in the embodiment,the switching of the mode of the power supply waits in the meantime.

In contrast to the foregoing example, a predetermined waiting time inwhich the display of the EE-relevant image appears on the display unit217 and the mode of the power supply is switched may be set even in theshift from a state in which the display of the EE-relevant image is notpresent on the display unit 217 and the mode of the power supply is setto the reproduction mode to a state in which the display of theEE-relevant image is present on the display unit 217 and the mode of thepower supply is set to the camera mode. In this case, the waiting timeis estimated as a time in which the intention of the user to display theEE-relevant image on the display unit 217 is not ensured and there is arelatively high probability of the EE-relevant image immediatelyvanishing from the display unit 217.

(Processing Flow: First Example)

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. The firstexample is an example in which a waiting time is provided when the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 is switched from the cameramode to the reproduction mode. Since the processes of steps S101 to S115are the same as those of the example described with reference to FIG. 28in the foregoing ninth embodiment, the description thereof will beomitted.

When the power control unit 203 determines in step S113 that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 determines whether the EE-relevant image is out of the displayregion and a predetermined time (waiting time) passes in this state(step S201).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the predeterminedtime passes, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode (step S117) andthe process returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supply isset to the camera mode throughout the process performed hitherto, theswitching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the predetermined time does not pass i.e., when theEE-relevant image comes in the display region before the waiting timepasses, the power control unit 203 does not perform the processregarding the mode of the power supply and the process returns to stepS101. That is, in this case, the mode of the power supply set throughoutthe process performed hitherto remains.

(Processing Flow: Second Example)

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the processingflow according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thesecond example is an example in which a waiting time is provided whenthe mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 is switched fromthe reproduction mode to the camera mode. Since the processes of stepS101 to step S111 are the same as those of the example described withreference to FIG. 28 in the foregoing ninth embodiment, the descriptionthereof will be omitted.

After step S111, the power control unit 203 determines whether theEE-relevant image is in the display region and a predetermined time(waiting time) passes in this state (step S203).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the predeterminedtime passes, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S115) and theprocess returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supply is setto the reproduction mode throughout the process performed hitherto, theswitching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the predetermined time does not pass, i.e., when theEE-relevant image goes out from the display region before the waitingtime passes, the power control unit 203 determines whether theEE-relevant image further goes out from the display region (step S123).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the EE-relevantimage has gone out from the display region, the power control unit 203sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to thereproduction mode (step S117) and the process returns to step S101. Whenthe mode of the power supply is set to the camera mode throughout theprocess performed hitherto, the switching of the mode is performedherein.

Conversely, when the power control unit 203 does not determine that theEE-relevant image has gone out from the display region, the powercontrol unit 203 does not perform the process regarding the mode of thepower supply and the process returns to step S101. That is, in thiscase, the mode of the power supply set throughout the process performedhitherto remains.

(Processing Flow: Third Example)

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the processing flowaccording to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. The thirdexample is an example in which a waiting time is provided both when themode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 is switched from thereproduction mode to the camera mode and when the mode of the powersupply is switched from the camera mode to the reproduction mode. Sincethe processes of step S101 to step S111 are the same as those of theexample described with reference to FIG. 28 in the foregoing ninthembodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

After step S111, the power control unit 203 determines whether theEE-relevant image is in the display region and a predetermined time(waiting time) passes in this state (step S203).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the predeterminedtime passes, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S115) and theprocess returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supply is setto the reproduction mode throughout the process performed hitherto, theswitching of the mode is performed herein.

Converse, when the predetermined time does not pass in step S203, i.e.,when the EE-relevant image returns to the inside of the display regionbefore the waiting time passes, the power control unit 203 determineswhether the EE-relevant image is out of the display region and apredetermined time (waiting time) passes in this state (step S201).

Here, when the power control unit 203 determines that the predeterminedtime passes, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode (step S117) andthe process returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supply isset to the camera mode throughout the process performed hitherto, theswitching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the predetermined time does not pass i.e., when theEE-relevant image comes in the display region before the waiting timepasses, the power control unit 203 does not perform the processregarding the mode of the power supply and the process returns to stepS101. That is, in this case, the mode of the power supply set throughoutthe process performed hitherto remains.

(First Modification Example)

FIG. 38 is a diagram for describing a first modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure. As in FIG. 34, FIG. 38illustrates an example in which the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit 135 shifts from the camera mode to the reproduction mode.Only in the first and second modification examples to be describedbelow, the description will be made by classifying the “EE-relevantimage” into an “EE image,” a “blackout image,” a “review image,” and an“image during processing a still image.”

In the illustrated example, when the EE image is displayed on thedisplay unit 217 and imaging is performed through a user's operation inthis state, a blackout image is displayed instead of the EE image duringthe execution of the imaging process. Thereafter, after a captured imageis displayed as a review image, the display of the display unit 217returns to display including the normal reproduced image. At this time,the EE image is already not included in the display unit 217.

Here, the power control unit 203 causes the mode of the power supply toremain to be the camera mode for a predetermined time, and then switchesthe mode of the power supply to the reproduction mode. That is, in thiscase, when a state in which none of the EE image, the review image, andthe blackout image is displayed on the display unit 217 continues for apredetermined time or more, the mode of the power supply is switched. Asdescribed above, when the EE image, the review image, and the blackoutimage are referred to as the “EE-relevant image,” in the foregoingexample, the power control can be said to be performed when theEE-relevant image is not displayed on the display unit 217 and then thepredetermined waiting time passes.

(Second Modification Example)

FIG. 39 is a diagram for describing a second modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure. As in FIG. 34, FIG. 39illustrates an example in which the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit 135 shifts from the camera mode to the reproduction mode.

In the illustrated example, when the EE image is displayed on thedisplay unit 217 and imaging is performed through a user's operation inthis state, the predetermined image during processing the still image isdisplayed instead of the EE image during the execution of the imagingprocess. Thereafter, the display of the display unit 217 returns to thedisplay including the normal reproduced images. At this time, the EEimage is already not included in the display unit 217.

Here, the power control unit 203 causes the mode of the power supply toremain to be the camera mode for a predetermined time, and then switchesthe mode of the power supply to the reproduction mode. That is, in thiscase, when a state in which none of the EE image and the image duringprocessing a still image is displayed on the display unit 217 continuesfor a predetermined time or more, the mode of the power supply isswitched. As described above, when the EE image and the image duringprocessing a still image are referred to as the “EE-relevant image,” inthe foregoing example, the power control can be said to be performedwhen the EE-relevant image is not displayed on the display unit 217 andthen the predetermined waiting time passes.

(Third Modification Example)

FIG. 40 is a diagram for describing a third modification example of thetenth embodiment of the present disclosure. As in FIG. 34, FIG. 40illustrates an example in which the mode of the power control to theimaging unit 135 shifts from the camera mode to the reproduction mode.

In the illustrated example, a predetermined reproduction mode settingcondition is satisfied by movement of the display position of theEE-relevant image beyond the predetermined region, as described in theforegoing ninth embodiment, from the state of the display of theEE-relevant image on the display unit 217. In this case, after thereproduction mode setting condition is satisfied, the power control unit203 allows the mode of the power supply to remain to be the camera modefor a predetermined time, and then switches the mode of the power supplyto the reproduction mode.

Thus, each configuration of the tenth embodiment of the presentdisclosure described above can be combined with each configuration ofthe ninth embodiment.

4-3. Eleventh Embodiment

Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. The eleventh embodiment of thepresent disclosure relates to a power supply control target. As in eachof the embodiments described hitherto, the embodiment can be combinedwith any of the foregoing embodiments.

FIG. 41 is a diagram for describing the eleventh embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In the embodiment, the imaging device 100 having anillustrated collapsible (storage type) lens tube is a power controltarget. For example, when an operation input of cutting off power of thedevice is acquired from a power button included in the input unit 211via the input processing unit 213 and the mode of the power supply tothe imaging unit 135 is the camera mode, a developed lens tube 110 a ischanged to a storage state (lens tube 110 b).

When the mode of the power supply is switched from the camera mode tothe reproduction mode by the power control of each of the foregoingembodiments, for example, the storage state of the storage type lens maybe changed as in the case of the foregoing power cutoff. However, sinceit is necessary to drive a motor or the like in this change, powerconsumption occurs. The power consumption is greater than powerconsumption when another portion of the imaging unit 135, e.g., the AFmechanism 123, the diaphragm 125, the camera-shake correction mechanism127, or the image sensor 129, is activated or stopped.

FIG. 42 is a diagram for describing the eleventh embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In view of the foregoing circumstance, in theembodiment, the developed lens tube 110 a remains in the state withoutchange even when the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 isswitched from the camera mode to the reproduction mode. That is, evenwhen the power supply to another portion of the imaging unit 135 endsthrough the switching of the mode of the power supply, the storage stateof the lens tube 110 a is not changed.

Thus, it is possible to suppress the power consumption caused due to thechange in the storage state of the lens tube. When the mode of the powersupply is switched through the change in the display of the display unit217, a probability of the user continuously viewing the display unit 217and the imaging device 100 being stored in a case or the like isconsidered to be low. Accordingly, even when the lens tube 110 a remainsdeveloped in the reproduction mode, a probability of a trouble occurringis low. Therefore, for example, when the user performs an operation ofturning off power of the imaging device in the reproduction mode or thedisplay of the reproduced images on the display unit 217 ends, the lenstube 110 a may be stored again.

4-4. Twelfth Embodiment

Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 43 to 48. The twelfth embodiment of the presentdisclosure relates to an example in which a reproduced image having acommon attribute to an EE image is used as the EE-relevant image todetermine the power supply control. In each of the foregoingembodiments, the power supply to the imaging unit 135 is controlledaccording to the display of the display unit 217. However, theembodiment is applicable to each embodiment in which this control isperformed, i.e., any of the foregoing embodiments.

(Processing Flow: First Example)

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the processing flowaccording to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. The firstexample is an example in which an attribute of an EE image is acquiredwhen the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 is switchedfrom the camera mode to the reproduction mode. Since the processes ofstep S101 to step S115 are the same as those of the example describedwith reference to FIG. 28 in the foregoing ninth embodiment, thedescription thereof will be omitted.

When the power control unit 203 determines in step S113 that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 determines whether an attribute within the predetermined time can beacquired from the EE image (step S301). Here, the attribute within thepredetermined time can be said to be an attribute in which apredetermined time does not pass after acquisition of the EE image.

When the EE image is out of the display region, the EE image is notalready displayed. Therefore, the attribute of the EE image is notacquired in real time. Accordingly, the attribute of the referable EEimage can be an attribute when the EE image is finally displayed. When atime considerably passes after the acquisition of the attribute, adifference increases between the attribute (which is not actuallyacquired) of the current EE image and the attribute of the referable EEimage, and thus there is a probability of the determination using theattribute of the EE image not being adequate. Accordingly, in theforegoing step S301, it is determined whether the attribute acquirablefrom the EE image is the attribute within a predetermined time.

When the attribute within the predetermined time can be acquired fromthe EE image in the foregoing step S301, the power control unit 203determines whether the reproduced image with the same attribute as thisattribute is present in the display region (step S303). Here, when thereproduced image with the same attribute as the EE image is not presentin the display region, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode (stepS117) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of the powersupply is set to the camera mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the attribute within the predetermined time may not beacquired from the EE image in the foregoing step S301, the power controlunit 203 does not perform the process regarding the mode of the powersupply and the process returns to step S101. That is, in this case, themode of the power supply set throughout the process performed hithertoremains. This is treated as being similar to a case in which an imagewith the common attribute to the EE image is present in the reproducedimages when an effective attribute of the EE image is not available.

In addition, even when the reproduced image with the same attribute asthe EE image is present in the display region in step S303, the powercontrol unit 203 does not perform the process regarding the mode of thepower supply and the process returns to step S101. That is, in thiscase, the mode of the power supply set throughout the process performedhitherto remains. This means that when the set mode of the power supplyis the camera mode, the camera mode remains as long as the reproducedimage with the same attribute as the EE image is present in the displayregion. Further, this means that when the set mode of the power supplyis the reproduction mode, the reproduction mode is not switched to thecamera mode despite the fact that the reproduced image with the sameattribute as the EE image comes in the display region.

(Processing Flow: Second Example)

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the processingflow according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thesecond example is also an example in which an attribute of an EE imageis acquired when the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 isswitched from the camera mode to the reproduction mode. Since theprocesses of step S101 to step S115, S117, and S303 are the same asthose of the example described with reference to FIG. 43 in theforegoing ninth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the power control unit 203 determines in step S113 that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 determines whether the attribute within the predetermined time canbe acquired from the EE image (step S305). Here, when the attributewithin the predetermined time can be acquired from the EE image, thepower control unit 203 determines whether the reproduced image with thesame attribute as this attribute is present in the display region (stepS303).

Conversely, when the attribute within the predetermined time may not beacquired from the EE image in step S305, the power control unit 203 setsthe mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproductionmode (step S117) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode ofthe power supply is set to the camera mode throughout the processperformed hitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein. Thisis treated as being similar to a case in which an image with the commonattribute to the EE image is not present in the reproduced images whenan effective attribute of the EE image is not available.

(Processing Flow: Third Example)

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the processing flowaccording to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. The thirdexample is also an example in which an attribute of an EE image isacquired when the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 isswitched from the camera mode to the reproduction mode. Since theprocesses of step S101 to step S115, S117, and S303 are the same asthose of the example described with reference to FIG. 43 in theforegoing ninth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the power control unit 203 determines in step S113 that theEE-relevant image is out of the display region, the power control unit203 determines whether the attribute within the predetermined time canbe acquired from the EE image (step S307). Here, when the attributewithin the predetermined time can be acquired from the EE image, thepower control unit 203 determines whether the reproduced image with thesame attribute as this attribute is present in the display region (stepS303).

Conversely, when the attribute within the predetermined time may not beacquired from the EE image in step S307, the power control unit 203 setsthe mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode(step S115) and the process returns to step S101. When the mode of thepower supply is set to the reproduction mode throughout the processperformed hitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein. Thisis treated as being similar to the case in which an image with thecommon attribute to the EE image is present in the reproduced imageswhen an effective attribute of the EE image is not available and alsomeans that the mode of the power supply is set to the camera mode whenthe image with the common attribute to the EE image is present in thereproduced images.

(Processing Flow: Fourth Example)

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the processingflow according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefourth example is an example in which an attribute of an EE image isalso acquired when the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135is switched from the reproduction mode to the camera mode. Since theprocesses of step S101 to step S115 and S301 are the same as those ofthe example described with reference to FIG. 28, the description thereofwill be omitted.

When the attribute within the predetermined time can be acquired fromthe EE image in the foregoing step S301, the power control unit 203determines whether the reproduced image with the same attribute as thisattribute is present in the display region (step S309). Here, when thereproduced image with the same attribute as the EE image is not presentin the display region, the power control unit 203 sets the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S115) andthe process returns to step S101. When the mode of the power supply isset to the reproduction mode throughout the process performed hitherto,the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when the reproduced image with the same attribute as the EEimage is not present in the display region in step S309, the powercontrol unit 203 sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit135 to the reproduction mode (step S117) and the process returns to stepS101. When the mode of the power supply is set to the camera modethroughout the process performed hitherto, the switching of the mode isperformed herein. That is, in the fourth example, the mode of the powersupply is switched to the camera mode in some cases and is switched tothe reproduction mode depending on whether the reproduced image with thecommon attribute to the EE image is displayed.

(Processing Flow: Fifth Example)

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of the processing flowin the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. The fifth exampleis an example in which the attribute of the EE image is acquired evenwhen the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit is switched fromthe reproduction mode to the camera mode. This example is an example inwhich the processes of steps S101 to S115 and step S309 described abovewith reference to FIG. 46 and the process of step S305 described withreference to FIG. 44 are combined. Since each step has already beendescribed, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

(Processing Flow: Sixth Example)

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a sixth example of the processing flowin the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. The sixth exampleis an example in which the attribute of the EE image is acquired evenwhen the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit is switched fromthe reproduction mode to the camera mode. This example is an example inwhich the processes of steps S101 to S115 and step S309 described abovewith reference to FIG. 46 and the process of step S307 described withreference to FIG. 45 are combined. Since each step has already beendescribed, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

4-5. Thirteenth Embodiment

Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to FIG. 49. The thirteenth embodiment of the presentdisclosure is a combination of the ninth and twelfth embodimentsdescribed above.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flowaccording to the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Sincethe processes of steps S101 to S111 are the same as those of the exampledescribed with reference to FIG. 28 in the foregoing ninth embodiment,the description thereof will be omitted.

After step S111, the power control unit 203 determines whether theattribute within the predetermined time can be acquired from the EEimage (step S401). Here, when the attribute within the predeterminedtime can be acquired from the EE image, the power control unit 203causes the process to proceed to perform determination using theattribute of the EE image in steps S403 and S405. Conversely, when theattribute within the predetermined time may not be acquired from the EEimage, the power control unit 203 causes the process to proceed toperform determination not using the attribute of the EE image in stepsS411 and S413.

In the determination using the attribute after the foregoing step S401,the power control unit 203 first determines whether a predetermined timepasses in the state in which the EE image or the reproduced image withthe common attribute to the EE image is in the ON region set in thescreen (step S403). Here, when a predetermined time passes in the statein which one or both of the foregoing images are in the ON region, thepower control unit 203 sets the mode of the power supply to the imagingunit 135 to the camera mode (step S407). When the mode of the powersupply is set to the reproduction mode throughout the process performedhitherto, the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when one or both of the foregoing images are out of the ONregion or go out from the ON region before the predetermined time passesin step S403, the power control unit 203 further determines whether apredetermined time passes in the state in which the EE image and thereproduced image with the common attribute to the EE image are out ofthe OFF region set in the screen (step S405).

Here, when the predetermined time passes in the state in which both ofthe foregoing images are out of the OFF region, the power control unit203 sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to thereproduction mode (step S409). When the mode of the power supply is setto the camera mode throughout the process performed hitherto, theswitching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when one of the foregoing images is in the OFF region orcomes in the OFF region before the predetermined time passes in stepS405, the power control unit 203 does not perform the process regardingthe mode of the power supply and the process returns to step S101. Thatis, in this case, the mode of the power supply set throughout theprocess performed hitherto remains.

In the determination not using the attribute after the foregoing stepS401, the power control unit 203 first determines whether apredetermined time passes in the state in which the EE image is in theON region set in the screen (step S411). Here, when a predetermined timepasses in the state in which the EE image is in the ON region, the powercontrol unit 203 sets the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit135 to the camera mode (step S415). When the mode of the power supply isset to the reproduction mode throughout the process performed hitherto,the switching of the mode is performed herein.

Conversely, when EE image is out of the ON region or goes out from theON region before the predetermined time passes in step S411, the powercontrol unit 203 further determines whether a predetermined time passesin a state in which the EE image is out of the OFF region set in thescreen (step S413).

Here, when the predetermined time passes in the state in which the EEimage is out of the OFF region, the power control unit 203 sets the modeof the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to the reproduction mode(step S409). When the mode of the power supply is set to the camera modethroughout the process performed hitherto, the switching of the mode isperformed herein.

Conversely, when the EE image is in the OFF region or comes in the OFFregion before the predetermined time passes in step S413, the powercontrol unit 203 does not perform the process regarding the mode of thepower supply and the process returns to step S101. That is, in thiscase, the mode of the power supply set throughout the process performedhitherto remains.

4-6. Fourteenth Embodiment

Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 50 to 53. The fourteenth embodiment ofthe present disclosure relates to the more detailed configuration of thepower control using the display of the reproduced image with the commonattribute to the EE image. Accordingly, the embodiment is applicable toeach of the foregoing embodiments in which the power control isperformed using the attribute of the EE image.

(Processing Flow: First Example)

FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a processing flowaccording to the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thefirst example is an example in which the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit 135 is switched to the camera mode to acquire the attributeof the EE image used for the power control.

When power is applied to the control device (step S501), the processstarts. For example, referring to set information stored in thenon-volatile storage unit 301 or the like, the power control unit 203determines whether the attribute of the EE image is used at the time ofthe power control (step S503). Here, when the attribute of the EE imageis used, the power control unit 203 switches the mode of the powersupply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S505).

Thereafter, the power control of the imaging unit 135 described in eachof the foregoing embodiments starts (step S507).

(Processing Flow: Second Example)

FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the processingflow according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.The second example is an example in which the mode of the power supplyto the imaging unit 135 is switched to the camera mode when thepreviously acquired attribute of the EE image used for the power controlis not usable.

When power is applied to the control device (step S501), the processstarts. For example, referring to the set information stored in thenon-volatile storage unit 301 or the like, the power control unit 203determines whether the attribute of the EE image is used at the time ofthe power control (step S503).

Here, when the attribute of the EE image is used, the power control unit203 further determines whether an attribute of a previous EE image canbe acquired (step S509). The attribute of the previous EE image is, forexample, the attribute of the EE image acquired when the power is cutoff at previous time. For example, when the attribute is stored in thenon-volatile storage unit 301 or the like at the time of the cutoff ofthe power, the power control unit 203 can acquire the attribute at thetime of reapplication of power.

When the attribute of the previous EE image may not be acquired in stepS509, the power control unit 203 switches the mode of the power supplyto the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S505).

Thereafter, the power control of the imaging unit 135 described in eachof the foregoing embodiments starts (step S507).

Thus, when the attribute of the previous EE image can be acquired, themode of the power supply is set to the reproduction mode, and thus powerconsumption can be saved.

(Processing Flow: Third Example)

FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the processing flowaccording to the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Thethird example is an example in which the mode of the power supply to theimaging unit 135 is switched to the camera mode when the previouslyacquired attribute of the EE image used for the power control is notusable, the attribute being within predetermined time.

When power is applied to the control device (step S501), the processstarts. For example, referring to the set information stored in thenon-volatile storage unit 301 or the like, the power control unit 203determines whether the attribute of the EE image is used at the time ofthe power control (step S503).

Here, when the attribute of the EE image is used, the power control unit203 further determines whether the attribute of the previous EE imagecan be acquired (step S509). When the attribute of the previous EE imagemay not be acquired, the power control unit 203 switches the mode of thepower supply to the imaging unit 135 to the camera mode (step S505).

Conversely, when the attribute of the previous EE image can be acquiredin step S509, the power control unit 203 further determines whether theacquirable attribute is the attribute within the predetermined time(step S511). Here, even when the acquirable attribute is not theattribute within the predetermined time, the power control unit 203switches the mode of the power supply to the imaging unit 135 to thecamera mode (step S505).

Thereafter, the power control of the imaging unit 135 described in eachof the foregoing embodiments starts (step S507).

(Processing Flow: Fourth Example)

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the processingflow according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.The fourth example is an example in which the mode of the power controlis switched based on whether the attribute of the EE image used for thepower control can be acquired.

When power is applied to the control device (step S501), the processstarts. For example, referring to the set information stored in thenon-volatile storage unit 301 or the like, the power control unit 203determines whether the attribute of the EE image is used at the time ofthe power control (step S503).

Here, when the attribute of the EE image is used, the power control unit203 further determines whether the attribute of the previous EE imagecan be acquired (step S509). Conversely, when the attribute of the EEimage is not used, power control of the imaging unit 135 in which theattribute of the EE image is not used starts (step S515).

When the attribute of the previous EE image can be acquired in theforegoing step S509, the power control unit 203 further determineswhether the acquirable attribute is the attribute within thepredetermined time (step S511). Conversely, when the attribute of theprevious EE image may not be acquired, the power control of the imagingunit 135 in which the attribute of the EE image is not used starts (stepS515).

When the acquirable attribute is the attribute within the predeterminedtime in the foregoing step S511, power control of the imaging unit 135in which the attribute of the EE image is used starts (step S513).Conversely, when the acquirable attribute is not the attribute withinthe predetermined time in the foregoing step S511, the power control ofthe imaging unit 135 in which the attribute of the EE image is not usedstarts (step S515).

The power control of the imaging unit 135 in which the attribute of theEE image is not used in step S515 may be switched to the power controlof the imaging unit 135 in which the attribute of the EE image is used,when the mode of the power supply is set to the camera mode during thecontrol and the attribute of the EE image can be acquired.

5. Supplement

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the presentdisclosure is not limited to the above examples, of course. A personskilled in the art may find various alterations and modifications withinthe scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that theywill naturally come under the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the foregoing embodiments, the EE-relevant image hasbeen exemplified as the image including the EE image, the reproducedimage having the common attribute to the EE image, a blackout image, thereview image, an image during processing a still image, and the imagedisplayed as an alternative of the EE image, but the setting of theregion may be changed according to which kind of image the EE-relevantimage is. In this case, for example, the ON region or the OFF region inthe foregoing embodiments may be changed according to the forgoing kindsof EE-relevant images.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1) A control device including:

-   -   a display control unit configured to cause display of a display        unit to shift between a first display mode in which a first kind        of image having a predetermined relation with an        electric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imaging unit and        a second kind of image different from the first kind of image        are displayed and a second display mode in which the first kind        of image is not displayed and the second kind of image is        displayed; and    -   a power control unit configured to control power supply to the        imaging unit in the shift between the first and second display        modes.

(2) The control device according to (1), wherein the power control unitcontrols the power supply to the imaging unit according to a positionalrelation between a first region set to correspond to a display region ina screen of the display unit and the first kind of image disposed in thescreen.

(3) The control device according to (2), wherein the power control unitdoes not supply power to a predetermined portion of the imaging unitwhen the first kind of image is not included in the first region.

(4) The control device according to (3), wherein the first region is aregion including the display region.

(5) The control device according to (3) or (4), wherein the powercontrol unit ends the power supply to the predetermined portion of theimaging unit when a predetermined time passes in a state in which thefirst kind of image is not included in the first region.

(6) The control device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein thepower control unit supplies the power to the predetermined portion ofthe imaging unit when at least a part of the first kind of image isincluded in a second region set to correspond to the display region.

(7) The control device according to (6), wherein the first region is aregion including the second region.

(8) The control device according to (6), wherein the first region is thesame region as the second region.

(9) The control device according to (2), wherein the power control unitsupplies the power to a predetermined portion of the imaging unit whenat least a part of the first kind of image is included in the firstregion.

(10) The control device according to any one of (2) to (9),

-   -   wherein the screen includes first and second screens        superimposed to be displayed, and    -   wherein the first region is set in each of the first and second        screens.

(11) The control device according to (10), wherein the first region inthe second screen is set to correspond to the display region of thefirst screen when the second screen is shielded by the first screen andthe first screen includes the display region.

(12) The control device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein thepower control unit controls the power supply to the imaging unit whenshift between the first and second display modes occurs and apredetermined time passes.

(13) The control device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein thefirst kind of image includes the EE image, an image displayed as analternative of the EE image, or a reproduced image having a commonattribute to the EE image.

(14) The control device according to (13), wherein the first kind ofimage includes a reproduced image having the common attribute to the EEimage in regard to at least one of a photographing time, a photographingposition, and a subject.

(15) The control device according to (13) or (14), wherein the powercontrol unit starts to supply the power to a predetermined portion ofthe imaging unit when the reproduced image displayed on the display unithas the common attribute to the EE image acquired within a predeterminedtime in a state in which no power is supplied to the predeterminedportion of the imaging unit.

(16) The control device according to any one of (13) to (15), whereinthe first kind of image includes a plurality of EE images acquired by aplurality of imaging units.

(17) The control device according to any one of (13) to (16), whereinthe first kind of image includes a plurality of EE images for whichimages acquired by the single imaging unit are displayed in differentstates.

(18) The control device according to any one of (1) to (17), furtherincluding:

-   -   an input processing unit configured to acquire an operation        input of a user,    -   wherein the power control unit    -   changes a storage state of a storage type lens included in the        imaging unit when the power supply to a predetermined portion of        the imaging unit ends according to the operation input, and    -   does not change the storage state when the power supply to the        predetermined portion of the imaging unit ends in the shift        between the first and second display modes.

(19) A control method including:

-   -   causing display of a display unit to shift between a first        display mode in which a first kind of image having a        predetermined relation with an electric-to-electric (EE) image        acquired by an imaging unit and a second kind of image different        from the first kind of image are displayed and a second display        mode in which the first kind of image is not displayed and the        second kind of image is displayed; and    -   controlling power supply to the imaging unit in the shift        between the first and second display modes.

(20) A computer-readable recording medium recording a program forcausing a computer to realize:

-   -   a function of causing display of a display unit to shift between        a first display mode in which a first kind of image having a        predetermined relation with an electric-to-electric (EE) image        acquired by an imaging unit and a second kind of image different        from the first kind of image are displayed and a second display        mode in which the first kind of image is not displayed and the        second kind of image is displayed; and    -   a function of controlling power supply to the imaging unit in        the shift between the first and second display modes.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 system-   100 imaging device-   200 display device-   300 image storage device-   110 lens tube-   135 imaging unit-   203 power control unit-   205 calculation unit-   211 input unit-   213 input processing unit-   215 display control unit-   217 display unit-   301 non-volatile storage unit

1. A control device comprising: a display control unit configured tocause display of a display unit to shift between a first display mode inwhich a first kind of image having a predetermined relation with anelectric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imaging unit and a secondkind of image different from the first kind of image are displayed and asecond display mode in which the first kind of image is not displayedand the second kind of image is displayed; and a power control unitconfigured to control power supply to the imaging unit in the shiftbetween the first and second display modes.
 2. The control deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the power control unit controls the powersupply to the imaging unit according to a positional relation between afirst region set to correspond to a display region in a screen of thedisplay unit and the first kind of image disposed in the screen.
 3. Thecontrol device according to claim 2, wherein the power control unit doesnot supply power to a predetermined portion of the imaging unit when thefirst kind of image is not included in the first region.
 4. The controldevice according to claim 3, wherein the first region is a regionincluding the display region.
 5. The control device according to claim3, wherein the power control unit ends the power supply to thepredetermined portion of the imaging unit when a predetermined timepasses in a state in which the first kind of image is not included inthe first region.
 6. The control device according to claim 3, whereinthe power control unit supplies the power to the predetermined portionof the imaging unit when at least a part of the first kind of image isincluded in a second region set to correspond to the display region. 7.The control device according to claim 6, wherein the first region is aregion including the second region.
 8. The control device according toclaim 6, wherein the first region is the same region as the secondregion.
 9. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the powercontrol unit supplies the power to a predetermined portion of theimaging unit when at least a part of the first kind of image is includedin the first region.
 10. The control device according to claim 2,wherein the screen includes first and second screens superimposed to bedisplayed, and wherein the first region is set in each of the first andsecond screens.
 11. The control device according to claim 10, whereinthe first region in the second screen is set to correspond to thedisplay region of the first screen when the second screen is shielded bythe first screen and the first screen includes the display region. 12.The control device according to claim 1, wherein the power control unitcontrols the power supply to the imaging unit when shift between thefirst and second display modes occurs and a predetermined time passes.13. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first kind ofimage includes the EE image, an image displayed as an alternative of theEE image, or a reproduced image having a common attribute to the EEimage.
 14. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the firstkind of image includes a reproduced image having the common attribute tothe EE image in regard to at least one of a photographing time, aphotographing position, and a subject.
 15. The control device accordingto claim 13, wherein the power control unit starts to supply the powerto a predetermined portion of the imaging unit when the reproduced imagedisplayed on the display unit has the common attribute to the EE imageacquired within a predetermined time in a state in which no power issupplied to the predetermined portion of the imaging unit.
 16. Thecontrol device according to claim 13, wherein the first kind of imageincludes a plurality of EE images acquired by a plurality of imagingunits.
 17. The control device according to claim 13, wherein the firstkind of image includes a plurality of EE images for which imagesacquired by the single imaging unit are displayed in different states.18. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: aninput processing unit configured to acquire an operation input of auser, wherein the power control unit changes a storage state of astorage type lens included in the imaging unit when the power supply toa predetermined portion of the imaging unit ends according to theoperation input, and does not change the storage state when the powersupply to the predetermined portion of the imaging unit ends in theshift between the first and second display modes.
 19. A control methodcomprising: causing display of a display unit to shift between a firstdisplay mode in which a first kind of image having a predeterminedrelation with an electric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imagingunit and a second kind of image different from the first kind of imageare displayed and a second display mode in which the first kind of imageis not displayed and the second kind of image is displayed; andcontrolling power supply to the imaging unit in the shift between thefirst and second display modes.
 20. A computer-readable recording mediumrecording a program for causing a computer to realize: a function ofcausing display of a display unit to shift between a first display modein which a first kind of image having a predetermined relation with anelectric-to-electric (EE) image acquired by an imaging unit and a secondkind of image different from the first kind of image are displayed and asecond display mode in which the first kind of image is not displayedand the second kind of image is displayed; and a function of controllingpower supply to the imaging unit in the shift between the first andsecond display modes.